Contraception

If you have any questions about contraception, sexually transmitted infections, STI testing, pregnancy or abortion, the best thing you can do is speak with a doctor. If you don’t have a doctor then talk to the DSC Clinic or visit a local clinic.

The effectiveness of contraception depends on whether or not it is used properly.

There are two different measures of contraception effectiveness:

“Perfect use” measures the effectiveness when a contraceptive is used exactly according to clinical guidelines.

“Typical use” measures how effective a method is for the average person who does not always use the method correctly or consistently.

For example, a woman who never forgets to take her pill will experience almost complete protection against pregnancy. But often a person may miss a day for one reason or another, in which case the risk of pregnancy increases.

Typically, effectiveness is closer to 92%, meaning on average 8 in 100 women taking oral contraceptives will become pregnant in the first year of use.

CONTRACEPTIVE EFFECTIVENESS RATES

FOR PREGNANCY PREVENTION*

Contraceptive Method

Perfect Use

Typical Use

Abstinence

100

na

Female Sterilization

99.5

99.5

Oral Contraceptives

99.5-99.9**

92.5

Male Condom

97

75/90 when used with spermacide

Withdrawal

96

75.5

*Percentage of women who successfully avoid an unintended pregnancy during their first year of use.**Depending on formulation. Source

How does one get contraception?

Male condoms can easily be purchased in most supermarkets, convenience stores or pharmacies, for $4-15 for a pack. Other forms of contraception require a visit to your GP or polyclinic for a prescription.

How much does contraception cost?

Note: This information is based on phone enquiries made to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital on 30 May 2014. Costs may vary by clinic and date as well as your own circumstances. Additional costs may apply for non-Singaporeans.

Oral contraception – Oral contraception, also called birth control pills, usually cost around $35-40 for a bottle, lasting around a month. Consultation charges at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital are listed below. Charges might vary at different clinics.

Female Sterilisation – $3150 for private patient, unto $1500 can be claimed by medical insurance and the rest paid by cash.

Myth: Birth control pills causes abortions.Fact: Birth control does NOT cause an abortion or end a pregnancy. Birth control PREVENTS fertilisation and/or pregnancy.

Hormonal methods work by stopping ovaries from releasing eggs. Hormonal methods can also increase the amount of natural mucus on the cervix. The thicker mucus makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus or travel well enough to fertilise an egg.

Myth: Birth control can make you infertile.Fact: The only permanent form of birth control is sterilisation.

Myth: Birth control pills increase the risk of breast cancer.Fact: Recent research shows that birth control pills methods have little, if any, effect on developing breast cancer. Oral contraceptives may only lead to a “slightly higher risk” of breast cancer, and this effect ceases ten years after use is discontinued.

Certain forms of hormonal birth control can actually decrease a woman’s risk of developing other types of cancers, such as ovarian and endometrial cancers.

Myth: Condoms have a high failure rate.Fact: Male condoms are 98% effective if used correctly. This means that 2 women in 100 whose partners use a condom will get pregnant in a year. Female condoms are 95% effective if used correctly. Five women in 100 who use a female condom will get pregnant in a year.